The Duke of York, the Earl of Forfar and the Princess Royal joined their mother, the Queen, at the Royal Garden Party held at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh this afternoon. The event saw thousands of people from across Scotland invited into the ancient royal residence to celebrate their achievements.
The Queen was guarded by the Royal Archers at this, the last of her garden parties for 2019. They marched in ahead of the royal guest to get proceedings off to a very regal start.
Photo Royal Family Twitter
The guest list recognises those who have made big contributions in public and community life as well as in military service in Scotland. Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Princess Anne were at their mother’s side for the event, talking to many of those invited along.
Among the guests were members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, or ATS, the unit the Queen served with during World War Two. Her Majesty spent time talking to them at the garden party which is a traditional high point of Holyrood Week.
Photo Royal Family Twitter
Also present was the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, who earlier on today had an audience with the Queen at Holyrood.
The Queen arrived at her official Scottish residence last Friday when the start of Holyrood Week also saw her visit a school to see how Scots Gaelic is forming an integral part of the education system. Her stay has also included a visit to the Scottish Parliament as it marks its twentieth anniversary. Her Majesty was accompanied then by the Prince of Wales. He couldn’t attend the garden party as he is currently in Wales for his own, annual week long visit there.
The past few days have also seen the Queen attend Sunday service at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh while yesterday she held an investiture at Holyrood.